tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6254679.post112788966434294198..comments2023-09-03T00:36:01.266+12:00Comments on South America Bidsta: Big Government ReprisedSimon Bidwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08669045345877026955noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6254679.post-1129851901063450972005-10-21T12:45:00.000+13:002005-10-21T12:45:00.000+13:00Well, the Working for Families may be viewed as a ...Well, the Working for Families may be viewed as a Tax Cut by some, but the difference is much more than semantics to many. A Tax Cut is being allowed to keep more of your earned income as of right (and to use it as you see fit) whereas a benefit (like WFF) is a conditional subsidy given to meet a perceived need.<BR/><BR/>I note that Politicians (who make up these laws), on the whole, are very different people from the average parent. Politics is very time consuming meaning those involved in the process of developing policy often are not parents. Even those who have kids are often not actively involved with bringing them up kids. And, of course, thier personal income is already very high.<BR/><BR/>Peter Dunne does have some good ideas in relation to families. For instance, he wants to revive income splitting for income tax purposes. This properly recognises that the bread winner for a family is not fundementally working for themselves, but their family. It also reconises the reality that a stay-at-home parent substantively improves the childs ability to become well-rounded member of society. It also recognises the contribution the stay-at-home parent contributes the effectiveness of the earning parent to be more effective AT WORK (and so probably earn more). NOTE this is recognised by the courts in divources settlements, but not by the government.<BR/><BR/>In summary, while political debates are often about the merits of the objectives, the method of implementing the initiative is also important. This is no better shown by the ongoing discussion on Tax Cuts versus Benefits as the best way to help the Middle Class.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com